HI SCR40

Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism must commission a statewide disparity study on woman-owned and minority-owned business participation in state contracts funded by federal sources including the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS Act of 2022, and energy-related federal allocations.

Study must be conducted by an independent entity selected through a request for proposals process and determine total federal funds allocated to Hawaii, number of projects delivered, bidding methods, disparities between available and engaged contractors, and needed policy changes.

Study results must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2025 Regular Session convening and posted publicly on DBEDT's website.

Within one year of study completion, DBEDT must establish participation goals, certification procedures for woman-owned and minority-owned businesses, and data collection mechanisms to track actual participation in state contracting.

All state contracting agencies are requested to assess contractor diversity practices and promote achievement of equitable participation goals for woman-owned and minority-owned businesses where practicable and feasible.